I put my hands up in defense. “You don’t have to be serious, Marjorie. I promise it’s not a huge deal.”
She pointed at me, eyes narrowed. I was pretty sure I was either going to get smacked or get truth-bombed by a woman who regularly hit things with bats.
Both were terrifying. “Do you know what you get if you keep on the path you’re on?”
“Quietness.”
“Nothing. You get no reward. You get no happiness. You get a life of emptiness when you keep yourself from love. It’s tempting to, but we’re not designed for that. Connection is normal. It’s needed.”
My eyes went wide. I’d never heard her talk like this in all the time I’d known her.
“I . . . but I?—”
“Theo, how do you feel when you’re with her?” Henrietta asked.
I knew the answer. I didn’t want to admit it, though.
I felt alive. I felt like life was worth living.
“I’ve been there, Theo.” Marjorie’s voice was still soft. “And I lost the battle with my own stubbornness a long time ago. And you know what? It was the best fucking thing I ever did.”
“With Henrietta?” I asked.
Marjorie rolled her eyes. “No, with a ham sandwich. Of course with my wife! All we want is for you to be happy. Not content—happy.”
“I ... I don’t know how to be.”
“Then figure it out, kid. Or you’ll waste your life and end up like Hugh.”
“Oh, wait.” Henrietta shook her head. “Maybe that’s too mean of a threat.”
“No, no. It’s working.” I felt a little sick when I thought about it. “Just no more comparisons to Hugh. You’re right, Marjorie, as always.”
“Good. And you know what else I’m right about?”
“What?”
“Birds not being real.”
Henrietta sighed. “Here we go again. For the last time, Marj, birds are not government spies!”
23
PIPER
Strawberry Springs Neighborhood Watch
Atticus Thompson:Landscaper needed for bush control. Any takers?
Comments:
Marjorie Brown: @Henrietta Brownis really good at bush control.
Henrietta Brown:I hate you ...
Jade Clark:I prefer my bushes all natural. I’m no help here!
Kerry Winsor:I LOVE my bush control guy! He trims it down so neatly and in a perfect square!
